Laugh Out Loud at Seattle's Top Comedy Clubs

Folks from the Pacific Northwest sure know how to have a good time. (It's not all coffee-fueled, high-tech work and broody, beautiful tunes over in this pocket of the country.) Sure, live music often takes center stage after the sun sets, but comedy sneaks under the radar as a fantastic entertainment option, too.

Whether it's national headliners, up-and-coming household names or outstanding Puget Sound talent, the Seattle area's comedy and improv clubs will have you howling. You can find all-ages entertainment and over-21 establishments throughout the city, ensuring that every crowd and humor preference finds a fit. Some shows even pop up in far-flung and unexpected neighborhood joints, while others enliven the nightlife scene across the water in Eastside's Bellevue or inside a Woodinville brewery.

Open-mic evenings prove a great way to get acquainted with talents on the rise, while headliner nights bring big-name stars to Seattle stages. Certain venues complement the on-stage comedy with creative menus that list items from innovative cocktails and dirt-cheap beers to pub grub with a fancy twist. Happy laughing!

This venue brings laughs to a new U-District venue. Open since summer of 2007, Laughs was launched after its owners had a decade of success debuting and scheduling comedy acts in a Bellevue hotel. The club is now open in its new Seattle location Wednesday through Saturday, with one or two shows per night. Headliner acts are featured on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with all-day Happy Hours on Thursday and a budget-friendly menu on open-mic Wednesdays. Show prices are normally $15 or $20 with a minimum two item purchase requirement from the food and beverage menu. Free parking is available in the well-lit street parking areas right next to Laughs Comedy Club. (Carpool, rideshare service, bus and bike are encouraged.)

This venue brings laughs to a new U-District venue. Open since summer of 2007, Laughs was launched after its owners had a decade of success debuting and scheduling comedy acts in a Bellevue hotel. The club is now open in its new Seattle location... Read More

The 5th Avenue Theatre is known as one of the nation's leading musical theater companies, especially for its production and development of new works. Needless to say, comedy often graces its stage. Since 2002, the Seattle-based company has produced 17 new musicals. (To date, nine--including hit Disney's Aladdin--have moved on to Broadway premieres, earning a combined 15 Tony Awards, including two for Best Musical--Hairspray and Memphis. The 5th Avenue Theatre also known makes waves for its lauded productions of musicals from the contemporary canon and the Golden Age of Broadway. While the shows are sensational, the venue itself justifies a visit, too, thanks to a unique, Chinese-inspired design. (The exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film.)

The 5th Avenue Theatre is known as one of the nation's leading musical theater companies, especially for its production and development of new works. Needless to say, comedy often graces its stage. Since 2002, the Seattle-based company has... Read More

If you're in the mood for evening entertainment that's more about sociability than trendiness, head to Forecasters at the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville. The engaging brewpub offers lots of possibilities, from munching grilled lime-and-cilantro prawns or juicy burgers to sharing a few brews with friends. On some Fridays, stand-up comedians get folks laughing, and many Saturdays, live bands play to receptive crowds, regaling them with blues, acoustic rock and more. (Check their website for up-to-date schedules.) Outside dining is available during warm weather, and Forecasters also has a beer garden, which proves a great place for indulging in their tasty creations.

If you're in the mood for evening entertainment that's more about sociability than trendiness, head to Forecasters at the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville. The engaging brewpub offers lots of possibilities, from munching grilled lime-and-cilantro... Read More

Described by one reviewer as "the Kit Kat Klub" on acid, the experience at Teatro ZinZanni is just that ... an experience. The main event is part circus, part dinner theater. A three-hour tour de force, the evening combines innovative and thrilling feats by a troupe of international "cirque," comedy and cabaret artists with a five-course gourmet meal. Improvisational comedy, music, dance and vaudeville review get blended with pure sensuality, creating a unique and intense new show with each performance. Intimate and fast-paced, the show takes place above, around, and beside patrons as they dine and gawk in awe. Ticket costs includes dinner and show; drinks are not included. Teatro ZinZanni recently announced its partnership with local restaurateur and James Beard Award-winning Chef Jason Wilson for its highly-anticipated limited engagement of "Love, Chaos, and Dinner," playing from October 19 through April 29 at Marymoor Park.

Described by one reviewer as "the Kit Kat Klub" on acid, the experience at Teatro ZinZanni is just that ... an experience. The main event is part circus, part dinner theater. A three-hour tour de force, the evening combines innovative and... Read More

Dating to the late 19th century, this venue has been restored to the glory it knew as a movie theater in the 1920s. These days, you can catch acts as diverse as Boyz II Men and The Head and the Heart to Sturgill Simpson and The Beach Boys, and there's even the odd comedy act and speaking engagement, too (think beloved figures from Dr. Maya Angelou to Anthony Bourdain and Chris Rock). Enjoy the sumptuous, gilt-edged surroundings as you take in a show. The ambience is decadent; for example, three million crystal beads adorn 218 chandeliers and light fixtures. The "wow" factor here is definitely worth the trip!

Dating to the late 19th century, this venue has been restored to the glory it knew as a movie theater in the 1920s. These days, you can catch acts as diverse as Boyz II Men and The Head and the Heart to Sturgill Simpson and The Beach Boys, and... Read More

Truly an original, this improvisational comedy group was first to perform Theatresports, the trademarked format in which two improv groups "duel" each other for the audience's enjoyment. The result is a fast-paced, witty exchange that has the potential to leave you crying with laughter. Nationally acclaimed for the quality of its performances, the group often attracts celebrity guest comedians. Improv classes are held periodically, and the group also hosts the International Festival of Improvisation every year. (On foot, go to the main entrance of the Pike Place Market at 1st and Pike. There, you'll find Rachel, the market's full-size brass piggy bank, right by the famous Pike Place Fish Company. From the pig, go down the stairs and around the corner into Post Alley, where you'll find the Market Theater, along with the famous Gum Wall!)

Truly an original, this improvisational comedy group was first to perform Theatresports, the trademarked format in which two improv groups "duel" each other for the audience's enjoyment. The result is a fast-paced, witty exchange that has the... Read More

An intimate space for shows both quirky and classic. Since its inception in 1992, Theater Schmeater's mission has been: "to produce great plays simply and foster a love of theater as an art form in future audiences." The theater encourages young audiences by admitting any person eighteen years or younger for free to any of its productions. The company also produces annual Free for the Family Park Shows (since 1998) in Volunteer Park. The Schmee is in production year-round, annually presenting 6-7 main stage shows and our Free for the Family Park Show. The theater also produces a handful of special events, including an annual Wine Auction fundraiser and special karaoke nights.

An intimate space for shows both quirky and classic. Since its inception in 1992, Theater Schmeater's mission has been: "to produce great plays simply and foster a love of theater as an art form in future audiences." The theater encourages young... Read More

One of the city's premiere venues for improv comedy, Jet City features a widely talented cast whose wit is as quick as its tongue, leading to numerous pithy quips made at the expense of unsuspecting audience members. The "average" show features six performers who utilize suggestions from the audience to improvise a hilarious montage of quirky scenes, games, and songs that keep the crowd laughing from beginning to end. Although shows are always scheduled on Friday and Saturday nights, additional shows are sometimes offered on other nights too. Also, check out the Twisted Flicks seriesa monthly comedy show "that makes HORRIBLE movies HILARIOUS." (Looking to test your skills onstage yourself? Check out the classes on offer at this venue.)

One of the city's premiere venues for improv comedy, Jet City features a widely talented cast whose wit is as quick as its tongue, leading to numerous pithy quips made at the expense of unsuspecting audience members. The "average" show features... Read More

Looking for some fast-paced laughs? Head to the Atlas Theatre in Fremont (right off Fremont Avenue, amidst an array of restaurants, shops and bars), where ComedySportz takes improv comedy into the sports arena. Two teams of comedians duke it out in a variety of games, competing for the biggest guffaws from audience members. No two shows are the same; every performance is driven by audience suggestions, so all creativity is encouraged! ComedySportz shows take place every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. (giving a perfect option for weekend entertainment that doesn't run too late). Look for an adults-only show the first Saturday of every month.

Looking for some fast-paced laughs? Head to the Atlas Theatre in Fremont (right off Fremont Avenue, amidst an array of restaurants, shops and bars), where ComedySportz takes improv comedy into the sports arena. Two teams of comedians duke it out... Read More

Set literally underground, Seattle's oldest comedy club may be short on atmosphere, but it's long on laughs. Headliners are often nationally or regionally known, and many big names graced the stage during their younger years, including Jerry Seinfeld and Ellen DeGeneres. Drinks are notoriously stiff, and a full menu featuring appetizers, burgers, and the like is available all evening. Shows happen almost every night at 8pm, with additional shows at 10:15pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Comedy Underground is 21 and over; ID is required. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before the show starts. However, Swannie's is open for lunch, dinner and cocktails.

Set literally underground, Seattle's oldest comedy club may be short on atmosphere, but it's long on laughs. Headliners are often nationally or regionally known, and many big names graced the stage during their younger years, including Jerry... Read More

Meet Corinne Whiting

Corinne hails from the other Washington, where she caught the travel bug early on. Corinne studied abroad in Strasbourg, France (undergrad) and in Edinburgh, Scotland (graduate school). She's... More About Corinne